The international amateur cricket championship, Expat World Cup 2027, has been officially announced. The tournament trophy was unveiled during a ceremony that included a cake-cutting event.
The event was organised on Thursday at The Westin Dhaka by AB Media Group, the tournament's organising body.
Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque attended as the chief guest. Also present were AB Media Group Founder and Managing Director Nirjon Mosarraf, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan, and many others.
Praising the initiative, the Youth and Sports State Minister said, “This is a wonderful initiative for expatriates. Such an event will encourage those who send remittances to our country.”
He further said, “Involving cricket clubs from 30 countries in this tournament will create new hope and enthusiasm among expatriate Bangladeshis. Through sports diplomacy, cricket can strengthen Bangladesh's communication and relationships with countries around the world. This initiative will help enhance Bangladesh's image internationally and play an important role in connecting expatriate Bangladeshis with domestic cricketers.
“Just as Hamza Choudhury and others have enhanced Bangladesh's image in football, we hope someone from among the expatriates will represent the national cricket team and further strengthen its reputation.”
He also announced plans to build stadiums in 495 upazilas.
AB Media Group CEO Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan said, “Bangladesh's large youth population must be transformed into a skilled workforce through proper training and development. The international networks and experience of established Bangladeshis living abroad can be used to create new overseas employment opportunities.
“This can increase the country's foreign currency earnings and make an important contribution to Bangladesh's economic development.”
He also announced that the tournament's opening match would be held in Australia, while the final would take place in the United Arab Emirates. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is expected to attend the gala night organised around the final.
AB Media Group Founder and Managing Director Nirjon Mosarraf said the event had taken considerable hard work to bring to fruition. Describing the current government as sports-friendly, he thanked the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for assuring its fullest cooperation.
Mosarraf said the organisers were in regular contact with an ICC event manager to ensure the tournament was completed successfully. He also said an OTT platform had been launched to ensure high-quality broadcasting.
Former Bangladesh cricket captain Habibul Bashar said, “For Bangladeshis, cricket is not just a game; it is a powerful bond of passion, love and unity. Cricket can bring together expatriate Bangladeshis living thousands of miles away and strengthen their sense of national identity, pride and harmony.”
Mehrab Hossain Opi, Bangladesh's first ODI centurion, praised the initiative to organise an international cricket tournament involving 30 countries. He expressed hope that holding the tournament regularly and working together to develop Bangladesh cricket would make it a valuable initiative.
Former cricketer Javed Omar Belim said the tournament would help build a cricket culture among expatriate Bangladeshis and create opportunities to advance Bangladesh cricket internationally.
MP Sanjida Islam Tuli said, “Our economy depends on expatriates' remittances. We also witnessed their contribution during the July movement. We are grateful to them, and we will certainly support this initiative.”
Other speakers included Bangladesh women's cricketer Jannatul Sumona, BCB Director Rafiqul Islam Babu, Expat World Cup advisers Afzal Hossain and Belal Uddin Tuhin, sports organiser Masum Bhuiya, athlete Shariful Haque Shipon, international sports organiser Rimon Islam, and P2P Group Chairman S. M. Mostafizur Rahman. Bangladesh wheelchair cricket captain Mohammad Mohsin and others also attended.
The event highlighted plans for international cricket, participation from expatriate communities, and the potential of cricket to strengthen connections and cultural ties among people from different countries. The organisers aim to bring expatriate communities from around the world together on an international platform through cricket.
The inaugural Expat World Cup 2027 will feature clubs from 30 countries, including Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, Oman, Canada, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Afghanistan, Scotland, Germany, Singapore, the Maldives, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Japan and Bangladesh.
According to the organisers, Expat World Cup 2027 matches will be held in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Bangladesh, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Malaysia.
